Virginia Spring Beauty
Claytonia virginica

The Virginia spring beauty is a spring ephemeral flower that blooms from late February through early May. 

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A close-up view of Virginia spring beauty blossoms, whose petals are white with fine pink stripes.
While the Virginia spring beauty often appears pink from a distance, its petals are actually white flower with fine pink stripes. (Photo by Will Parson/Chesapeake Bay Program)

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Appearance

The Virginia spring beauty is a small plant, typically only growing 3-6 inches tall. The flowers consist of 5 white petals with fine pink stripes, which make the petals appear pink from far away. 

Reproduction and life cycle

The fruit of the Virginia spring beauty contains a capsule with up to 25-30 black seeds known as elaiosomes. The fruit matures about 10 days following pollination and fertilization, and the seeds are ejected from the capsule to be further dispersed by ants attracted to the elaiosomes. 

Did you know?

  • The corm of the Virginia spring beauty was used as a food source by Native Americans and is still eaten by wild food enthusiasts. The leaves and flowers of the plant are also edible.
  • The Virginia spring beauty has been used to treat sore throats and eye problems.
  • At least 23 different species of native bees and insects have been observed pollinating the Virginia spring beauty, which produces a generous amount of nectar.

Sources and additional information

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